For many, the floral display criteria of the America in Bloom program is the central focus and the additional flowers planted and cared for last summer were enjoyed by both residents and visitors.
The 2005 judges comments included praise for the floral displays at city hall, Bemidji State University, and several churches; for the very attractive plantings, window boxes, and hanging baskets cared for by businesses downtown; and for the Downtown Planter project. They commended Pat Hardwig's residential front yard garden of wildflowers, lilies, clematis, etc. and the Lauderbaugh and Stall front yard gardens on Roosevelt Road.
Judges suggestions included the sponsorship of a beautification awards program; the recognition of exceptional home and/or business floral displays via a garden of the week photo in the local newspaper; the addition of a color scheme to the annuals planted downtown, and the restarting a local garden club.
The Downtown Adopt a Planter volunteers are currently making plans for this summer's program which includes the addition of several new planting areas. Individuals or groups interested in adopting a downtown planter should contact Linda Autrey at 759-3047 or lautrey@k-a-c.com .
The Pioneer will be running a "Front Yard Garden of the Week" photo and interview with gardeners in the Sunday section. To be considered a "Front Yard Garden" the garden must be visible from the street so that people may conduct their own walk by, bike, or drive-by tours without imposing on the home owner. Beltrami Master Gardeners are coordinating the program. If you have a front yard garden or know of a garden that should be considered please contact Jean Humeniuk at 444-4924 or jeanhum@paulbunyan.net .
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A local garden club, Northwood's Garden Club, has organized and will hold monthly meetings at the Presbyterian Church at 4pm on the 2nd Monday of each month. The program for April 10th is "Bemidji in Bloom". The possibility of organizing smaller interest groups, such as flower arranging, beekeeping, perennial gardening, etc. is being considered. Please contact Maggie Schwegman at 586-2997 for information.
It's the flowers that add the sparkle and we hope everyone will consider additional flowers, hanging baskets, window boxes, and planters at their homes and business locations. It is the floral display section of "Bemidji in Bloom" that has the most visual impact.
